Gunwharf Quays residents protest over plans for new late-night venue in the old Water Margin

GUNWHARF Quays could become the home to a new venue if its licence is approved - and nearby residents aren't happy.

At Wednesday's licensing meeting Portsmouth councillors will decide whether to grant a premises licence to Loungers Ltd for its food and drink lounge, Cosy Club.

Formerly the Water Margin Buffet, the site on the first floor opposite Spinnaker Tower will offer meals and drinks, both alcoholic and non, throughout the day.

Specifically owners are hoping serve alcohol between 10am to 11.30pm Sunday to Wednesday and 10am to 1am Thursday to Saturday.

They are also hoping for permission to stay open from 8am to 12am from Sunday to Wednesday and 8am to 1.30am on other days, with a special extension until 2.30am on New Year's Eve.

But residents who live in Gunwharf Quays are concerned about the impact of having another late-night establishment in the area.

In his objection Stuart Griffiths, of Arethusa House, said: 'The over-development of Gunwharf Quays into what is increasingly becoming an entertainment centre with late-night drinking, noise and all that goes with it, is totally unacceptable.

'My wife and I invested a premium sum to live in a high quality, well run, secure and prestigious home. The changes proposed will not only seriously affect our quality of life, but will surely have a detrimental effect on our property value.'

Beng Bate, from The Crescent, agreed. 'I know the Cosy Club is situated away from the residential buildings,' she said. 'However, clubbers leaving in the small hours will all filter through past some residential areas in various state of merriment.

'We have groups decanting their way out of Gunwharf Quays with differing degrees of raucousness and shouting.

'I object to prolonging our suffering. We've been so tolerant for so long. Enough.'

In total 30 residents made their fears known to the council.

But Amber Wood, the managing director of Cosy Club, stressed that it would not be designed with night life in mind. She added: 'Cosy Club is a broad all-day offer with a focus on hospitality and genuine community engagement.

'We are very excited to potentially become part of such an iconic development as Gunwharf Quays, welcoming residents and playing our part in the local community.'

The police have stipulated that the usual conditions must be met for the licence to be approved such as CCTV on site, a Challenge 25 policy with training for staff and a register to record any refusals to sell alcohol to minors.

Councillors will make their decision on Wednesday, November 21.

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